Request an Appointment

Not signed in

This site is secured with Extended SSL certificate.

Torn Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL Injury)

Learn more about the symptoms of ACL Tear

ACL injury overview

This condition, ACL injury, occurs when the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), the band of tissue that connects the femur to the tibia inside the knee joint, becomes torn or worn away, causing pain and instability of the knee.

ACL injury causes

An ACL tear is typically caused by a severe injury or trauma to the knee, often during athletic activities. A sudden stopping and twisting motion of the knee or a blow to the knee that forces the joint to bend beyond its normal range of motion may cause the ACL to stretch and tear.

Torn ACL symptoms

The most common symptom of an ACL injury is the pain the knee. Other symptoms of a torn ACL may include immediate weakness or a popping sound in the knee, swelling, stiffness, and bruising. Walking is painful and the knee may feel unstable.